Large parts of eThekwini are underwater and the Umgeni River is swelling to a dangerous level. The Durban floods now look even more threatening.

The Umgeni River in the vicinity of the old Mr Price building in Riverhorse Valley, Durban - Photo: Nicky de Preez / Storm Report SA

The Durban floods have been relentless over the past 24 hours, but locals are still contending with the threat of the Umgeni River bursting its banks. The water source has swelled to a worrying level, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is already preparing for the worst in the municipality.

Durban floods latest news: Evacuations underway, more could follow

Spokesperson Craig Lambinon has revealed that emergency services are being deployed to evacuate townships which are situated on the river’s edge. He confirmed that the NSRI are on standby to help in any way they can:

“Currently, meetings are being held with emergency services investigating swollen river banks and the informal settlements on the banks of the Umgeni River. These services are set to evacuate residents here and the NSRI remains prepared to help with any such instances.”

Craig Lambinon

The torrential rains have washed away homes and caused the destruction of several properties in the Malvern region. Sadly, four people were killed when their house collapsed overnight. Another person has been confirmed dead in Overport, but this may not be the end of the fatalities, as three other people remain trapped in collapsed structure:

🔴BREAKING: Sources tell us more structural have collapsed in Durban due to torrential rain. Death toll of five likely to increase #DurbanFloods

Umgeni River threatens more damage

Meanwhile, parts of the city have been left underwater, as torrents of gushing water have spread across low-lying areas of eThekwini. The Durban floods have had a devastating effect on infrastructure, with entire roads and cliff-side properties falling away due to numerous mudslides:

The Umgeni River is now at a highly-dangerous level, and with weather warnings remaining in place until 16:00 on Tuesday, additional rain could tip things over the edge. Authorities aren’t likely to issue city-wide evacuation directives, but several communities were told to leave this morning and a few more settlements could follow.